15+ Zucchini Pasta Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds
Zucchini pasta recipes are a delicious way to enjoy a lighter meal while still getting that satisfying taste of traditional pasta. These recipes can be easy to make and offer a fresh and healthy alternative for lunch or dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can create meals that are not only tasty but also colorful and appetizing.
Using zucchini, you can create “noodles” that can pair well with various sauces and toppings. These dishes are perfect for the warm months and allow you to use seasonal vegetables in a fun and creative way. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for guests, zucchini pasta recipes can meet your needs.
1) Zucchini Pasta with Garlic and Lemon
Making zucchini pasta with garlic and lemon is simple and delicious. Start with fresh zucchini, which you can spiralize into noodles. This creates a light and healthy base for your dish.
Add minced garlic to a hot pan with olive oil. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Then, toss in your zucchini noodles and sauté for about 3-5 minutes.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta for brightness. You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for a savory finish. Enjoy your tasty and easy meal!
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
2) Spaghetti alla Nerano
Spaghetti alla Nerano is a delightful dish that highlights zucchini. You will enjoy its creamy texture and rich flavor, thanks to the use of fried zucchini and cheese.
To make this dish, you start by frying the zucchini until golden. Then, mix it with cooked spaghetti, adding cheese and a bit of pasta water for creaminess. The result is a comforting meal that’s perfect for summer.
This recipe is simple and quick, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 6 medium green zucchini
- 4 ounces spaghetti
- 1 quart sunflower oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Caciocavallo cheese (or other cheese of choice)
- Salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
- Cut the zucchini into thin slices.
- Heat the sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
- Fry the zucchini until golden brown, then set aside.
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.
- In a large bowl, mix fried zucchini with spaghetti.
- Add olive oil, cheese, and pasta water. Stir well and serve!
3) Creamy Zucchini Noodles
Creamy zucchini noodles are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. You can enjoy them with a simple sauce made from garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
To make creamy zucchini noodles, start by spiralizing your zucchini into noodle shapes. Then, sauté garlic in a pan until fragrant. Add the zucchini and cook until tender but still crisp.
After that, pour in cream and sprinkle with Parmesan for a rich flavor. You can also add fresh herbs like basil to enhance the taste. This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
4) Zucchini and Tomato Basil Pasta
This dish combines the fresh flavors of zucchini and tomatoes with fragrant basil. It’s a simple and healthy option for any meal.
Start by slicing the zucchini into thin noodles. You can use a spiralizer for a fun twist. Then, cook the zucchini in a skillet with a little olive oil until tender.
Add cherry tomatoes and garlic, cooking until the tomatoes start to burst. Stir in fresh basil for a burst of flavor. Toss everything together with cooked pasta of your choice.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
Cooking Instructions
- Spiralize or slice the zucchini.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Add zucchini and sauté until tender (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking until tomatoes burst.
- Stir in fresh basil and mix with cooked pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5) Parmesan Zucchini Pasta
Parmesan zucchini pasta is a light and tasty dish you can prepare quickly. You’ll use fresh zucchini to create a delicious base for your meal. This dish is perfect for a warm evening or when you want a healthy option.
To make it, start by slicing your zucchini into thin rounds or ribbons. Heat some olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic for flavor. Sauté the zucchini until it’s tender.
Once cooked, mix in a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt, creating a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream. Add some black pepper for a bit of spice.
Ingredients
- 4 zucchinis
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Slice the zucchinis into rounds or ribbons.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the zucchini and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Mix in the Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
6) Zucchini Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Zucchini pasta with cherry tomatoes is a fresh and vibrant dish. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. You can enjoy a light meal that is packed with flavor.
Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften. This creates a tasty mix that works great with zucchini.
Spiralize your zucchini into noodles. Add them to the pan and toss everything together. You can season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil for extra taste.
This recipe is not only simple but also healthy and delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften.
- Spiralize zucchinis into noodles.
- Add zucchini noodles to the pan.
- Toss everything together and season with salt, pepper, and basil.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
7) Zucchini and Spaghetti Delight
Zucchini and Spaghetti Delight is a tasty dish that combines fresh zucchini with pasta. The creamy parmesan sauce makes it rich and comforting.
You start by slicing the zucchini into thin rounds. Sauté them with garlic and a bit of olive oil for great flavor. Toss everything with cooked spaghetti for a delicious meal.
For a finishing touch, add grated parmesan cheese. This dish is quick to prepare and full of flavor, making it perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
- While it cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sliced zucchini, cooking until tender.
- Drain the spaghetti and toss it with the zucchini mix.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
8) Zucchini Alfredo Pasta
Zucchini Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, satisfying dish that feels indulgent yet is easy to make. The zucchini noodles add freshness and a touch of healthiness to the classic Alfredo sauce.
You can create a rich, delicious sauce using just a few simple ingredients. Fresh zucchini blends beautifully with cream, garlic, and cheese.
This dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion. You’ll enjoy the light flavors, especially when topped with fresh herbs like basil.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Spiralize the zucchinis to create noodles.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic in a bit of oil until it’s fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and simmer for a few minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts.
- Combine zucchini noodles with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
9) Zucchini Pesto Penne
Zucchini Pesto Penne is a tasty and easy dish. You can whip it up quickly, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. The fresh flavors of zucchini combined with pesto make a delightful meal.
Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, sauté sliced zucchini in a bit of olive oil until it’s tender.
Once cooked, mix the zucchini with the pasta and toss in your favorite basil pesto. You can add some cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Serve it warm and enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add zucchini slices and sauté until tender.
- Drain pasta and combine with zucchini in the skillet.
- Stir in basil pesto and cherry tomatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
10) Zucchini Pasta Primavera
Zucchini Pasta Primavera is a fresh and colorful dish. It’s a great way to enjoy vegetables while skipping traditional pasta. You can use spiralized zucchini, also called zoodles, for a light meal.
This recipe includes tasty vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. You can add a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. The light sauce is often made with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
Making this dish is simple and quick. It’s perfect for a healthy dinner on warm days.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Add bell pepper and carrot; sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes and zucchini noodles; cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Serve with grated cheese if desired. Enjoy!
11) Simple Zucchini Carbonara
Zucchini Carbonara is a quick and tasty meal. You’ll enjoy the creamy sauce mixed with fresh zucchini. It’s a fun twist on the classic pasta dish.
Start by sautéing diced zucchini in olive oil. Add garlic for flavor. Meanwhile, cook your favorite pasta until al dente.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, pecorino cheese, and pepper. Combine everything while the pasta is still hot. The heat will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.
Serve with extra cheese on top. It’s a delightful dish perfect for any night!
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini, cubed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 50 grams pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- Fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and zucchini. Sauté until tender.
- Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Drain pasta and combine it with the zucchini mixture.
- Off heat, mix in the egg mixture until creamy.
- Serve warm with more cheese if desired.
12) Zucchini and Spinach Linguine
This Zucchini and Spinach Linguine is a fresh and light dish that’s easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You will enjoy the bright flavors of zucchini and spinach combined with pasta.
Start by sautéing garlic in a little olive oil. Add sliced zucchini and cook until it’s tender. Then, mix in fresh spinach until it wilts. Toss this mixture with cooked linguine.
For extra flavor, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a nice touch. Serve it hot for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) linguine pasta
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add sliced zucchini and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine the zucchini mix with the cooked linguine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
13) Zucchini Pasta with Fresh Herbs
Zucchini pasta with fresh herbs is a bright and flavorful dish. It is perfect for warm weather and uses simple ingredients. You can enjoy this meal in about 20 minutes.
To make this dish, start by spiralizing fresh zucchini into noodle shapes. This gives you a light and healthy base. Add garlic and a mix of your favorite herbs, like basil and parsley, for a burst of flavor.
You can also include olive oil and a pinch of salt. If you want more protein, try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in fresh herbs and salt. Cook for another minute.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
14) Zucchini and Mushrooms Ragu
Zucchini and mushrooms make a delicious ragu that’s perfect for pasta or as a topping. This dish is light and full of flavor, making it a great choice for any meal.
Start by slicing your zucchini and mushrooms. Sauté them in olive oil until they soften. Add garlic and herbs for extra taste.
You can mix this ragu with your favorite pasta. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a tasty and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Add sliced zucchini and mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Toss the ragu with cooked pasta and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve warm.
15) Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
Zucchini lasagna roll-ups are a fun and healthy twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of noodles, you use thin slices of zucchini, which makes this dish lighter and gluten-free.
To prepare, you’ll roll the zucchini around a delicious mixture of ricotta cheese, crumbled sausage, and spices. Then, you bake them in tomato sauce and top with mozzarella cheese for a cheesy finish.
These roll-ups are not only tasty but also a great way to sneak in more vegetables. They make a perfect family dinner or a dish to impress your friends.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked crumbled sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips.
- Mix ricotta, sausage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread some marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place a zucchini slice, add filling, and roll it up.
- Place the roll seam-side down in the dish.
- Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!